THE FOURTH PYTHIAN ODE.
TO ARCESILAUS OF CYRENE, ON HIS VICTORY IN THE CHARIOT RACE, GAINED IN THE THIRTY-FIRST PYTHIAD.
ARGUMENT.
In the opening of this extremely long and highly poetical ode, Pindar, whose subject leads him to the mention of Cyrene, interweaving mythology with historical relation, digresses to the origin of the colony, and the prediction given by Medea to Euphemus, one of the Argonauts, and subjoins the interpretation of it from the Delphic oracle given to Battus concerning the origin of the colony which was to be planted by him in Libya.—This introduces a long and episodical narration of the Argonautic expedition; the slaying of the dragon, and the recovery of the golden fleece.—The simple and beautiful description of Jason's sudden appearance among the citizens of Iolcos.—The remainder of the ode is occupied with admonitions to Arcesilaus respecting the prudent and judicious government of his kingdom.—In this part the piety and wisdom of the poet are conspicuous, although it may be justly doubted whether the conclusion be altogether suitable to the nature of a lyric ode.
This day thy prompt assistance lend,
Muse, to the hero and the friend,
Lord of Cyrene, famed for generous steeds—
To Delphi and Apollo raise
The well-earn'd melody of praise,5
As the bright pomp Arcesilaus leads.
In ages past the priestess there,
Who near Jove's golden eagles [1] held her throne,
With voice oracular made known
What truths the present god inspired her to declare.
- ↑ These were placed near the Delphic tripod, and probably gave rise to the story of the two birds sent by Jupiter, one from
